SURRENDERING A PET

We recognise that the rising cost of living impacts many households. Please Contact Us as we may be able to assist you with food and other essentials directly. If not, we will point you in the direction of other organisations who may be able to help. 

If you are struggling financially, talk to your vet about what service or treatment is the priority for your animal. Alternative payment options such as payment plans can help you pay for your pets veterinary care. You may be eligible for humm, VetPay, Pet Medical Crisis or Centrepay.

You could consider seeking out a second opinion from another vet, community vet clinics or animal welfare organisations who may offer the services for less or even suggest an alternative approach. 

It can be tough finding a rental with a pet. Contact your local real estate agencies to let them know your situation, prepare a pet CV, ask previous landlords to write a review of your pet, if possible, introduce your pet to the landlords. Hints on how to create a pet CV

If it’s impossible to keep your pet with you, is there somewhere else it can stay? Perhaps a friend or family member can help. Your pet may not be able to live with you right now, but circumstances may change in the future. 

Under legislation, landlords cannot refuse renter's applications based on pet ownership. Changes to the Rental Tenancies Act in Victoria means a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant because they have pets. You can take the matter to VCAT if they do.

• Consider pet sitters and dog walkers to help
• Enlist friends or family to help
• Walk and make time for your dog in the morning if you don't have time later in the day

• Increase social time by going for daily walks, visiting the dog park (if your dog enjoys the company of other dogs), rotating toys or attend a force-free dog training class
• Consider dog-walkers or sitters
• Providing your dog with daily enrichment is a great way to prevent boredom and reduce barking. There are many different forms of enrichment, including visual, auditory and food-based puzzles. You can purchase lots of enrichment options, but you can also make them yourself 

Enrichment ideas for your dog

Navigating behavioural issues in your beloved pet can be a frustrating time. Before contemplating the heartbreaking decision of surrendering your furry friend, please consider engaging an experienced trainer. 

Our trainer of choice is Nighthaven Empowered Learning. They will assess your dog and help to create a personalised training plan to help you, and your pet overcome your challenges.

Alternatively contact the RSPCA's Free Pet Behaviour Helpline . They provide advice from knowledgeable, specialist trainers to address common behaviour issues such as barking, reacting to other animals and over-excitability.  

Follow the link for helpful information:

How to live with allergies and pets

Desex your pet! We offer a Last Litter Program and may be able to help, however, if we don't have capacity, try the following organisations for discounted desexing:

• Your local council to see if they offer free or discounted desexing and microchipping programs. 
• If you are in the Bendigo area, contact Bendigo Animal Relief Centre for advice.
• If you live in Victoria, contact The Vet Project
• National Desexing Network is available throughout Australia.

• Check with your local council to find out if they provide a rehoming program. 
• Consider rehoming your pet through PetRescue's Home2Home program
• Find a list of alterative rescue groups that may be able to help on the 

PETRESCUE RESCUE DIRECTORY                     SAVOURLIFE RESCUE DIRECTORY